This coconut chicken curry is the perfect weeknight dinner. A 30-minute, one-pot chicken curry that's loaded with Indian spices, tender chicken breast, and creamy coconut milk.
This chicken curry goes incredibly well with my two-ingredient naan bread and pilau rice. You'll also love my pork curry, salmon curry, and Thai curry meatballs.
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⭐️ Why this recipe works
- Rich, Creamy Sauce: The combination of coconut milk and chopped tomatoes creates a luscious, creamy base that coats the chicken beautifully.
- Aromatic Base: Sautéed onions, garlic, and fresh ginger form a fragrant foundation that enhances the overall flavour profile.
- Balanced Spices: A well-balanced mix of curry powder, turmeric, and demerara sugar adds depth, warmth, and a hint of sweetness.
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner without sacrificing flavour.
- Customisable: Easy to adjust for dietary preferences, with simple substitutions for ingredients and variations in spice levels.
🧾 Ingredients overview
- Chicken: Provides the main protein and absorbs the flavors of the curry.
- Olive Oil: Used for sautéing the aromatics, adding a mild, fruity flavor.
- Onion: Adds sweetness and depth to the curry.
- Garlic: Infuses the dish with a robust, savory aroma.
- Fresh Ginger: Adds a zesty, spicy note that complements the curry spices.
- Tomato Puree: Thickens the sauce and adds a rich tomato flavor.
- Curry Powder: The primary spice blend that defines the curry's flavor.
- Turmeric: Enhances the color and adds a subtle earthiness.
- Demerara Sugar: Balances the spices with a touch of sweetness.
- Dark Soy Sauce: Adds umami and depth to the sauce.
- Chopped Tomatoes: Forms part of the sauce base, adding acidity and richness.
- Coconut Milk: Provides creaminess and a hint of sweetness.
- Coriander: Adds a fresh, herbaceous note to finish the dish.
- Lime Juice: Brightens the flavors with a tangy finish.
For precise measurements and additional ingredients, refer to the recipe card at the bottom of the page.
👩🏻🍳 Here's how to make it
Creamy Coconut Chicken Curry recipe step-by-step
- Prepare the Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a high-sided skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add the garlic, onions, and ginger. Cook for 5-8 minutes until the garlic and onions are soft and translucent, and the ginger is fragrant.
- Add the Spices: Stir in the tomato puree, curry powder, turmeric, and demerara sugar. Mix well to coat the onions with the spices and puree. Add the soy sauce, stirring to combine.
- Make the Sauce: Pour in the chopped tomatoes and coconut milk. Scrape up any brown bits from the bottom of the pan to incorporate into the sauce. Whisk until the sauce is smooth. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
- Cook the Chicken: Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then add the diced chicken. Cook for about 15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. Stir in the chopped coriander and lime juice.
- Serve: Divide the curry among bowls and serve with fluffy rice, naan bread, poppadoms, and a dollop of Greek yogurt if desired.
📖 Variations
- Chicken: Substitute with tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian version.
- Soy Sauce: Replace with tamari for a gluten-free version.
- Coriander: Use parsley or basil if you’re not a fan of coriander.
- Spice Level: Adjust the curry powder and add chili flakes for more heat.
💡 Chef's Guide: Expert Tips
Drawing on a decade of experience in Michelin-starred kitchens and Cordon Bleu training, I have compiled my top tips for recipe success.
- Sugar Balance: If the curry is too spicy, add a bit of sugar or honey to balance the heat.
- Thickening: If your curry is too thin, simmer the sauce until your desired consistency is reached.
- Cooling Agent: Serve the curry with a side of raita (yogurt mixed with cucumber and mint) to cool the palate if the curry is too spicy.
🍯 Storing and reheating leftovers
- Fridge: Store the cooled curry in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: For longer storage, place the curry in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen, then warm in a saucepan over medium heat until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions.
❓Recipe FAQ's
Absolutely! They're a great alternative. Just be sure to remove the skin from the thigh as well.
Yes! Coconut cream is a little bit thicker than coconut milk so you may need to add some water to thin the sauce out a little bit.
You can add a dollop of yoghurt or a splash of coconut milk to mellow out the heat. Adding more vegetables or a bit of sweetness, like a pinch of sugar or honey, can also balance the spice.
If the curry turns out too thin, you can thicken it by simmering it uncovered for a bit longer.
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
If you tried this Coconut Chicken Curry please let me know in the comments below, and please leave a star rating while you're there!
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Creamy Coconut Chicken Curry Recipe
Ingredients
Chicken
- 500 g boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced
Aromatics
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 ½ tablespoons tomato puree
Spice Mix
- 2 ½ tablespoons curry powder
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 tablespoon demerara sugar
For the Sauce
- 2 tablespoons dark soy sauce
- 400 g tin chopped tomatoes
- 400 ml tin coconut milk
- ½ bunch coriander, chopped
- 1 lime, juice only
Instructions
Prepare the Aromatics:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a high-sided skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add the garlic, onions, and ginger. Cook for 5-8 minutes until the garlic and onions are soft and translucent, and the ginger is fragrant.
Add the Spices:
- Stir in the tomato puree, curry powder, turmeric, and demerara sugar. Mix well to coat the onions with the spices and puree. Add the soy sauce, stirring to combine.
Make the Sauce:
- Pour in the chopped tomatoes and coconut milk. Scrape up any brown bits from the bottom of the pan to incorporate into the sauce. Whisk until the sauce is smooth. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Cook the Chicken:
- Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then add the diced chicken. Cook for about 15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. Stir in the chopped coriander and lime juice.
Serve:
- Divide the curry among bowls and serve with fluffy rice, naan bread, poppadoms, and a dollop of Greek yogurt if desired.
Notes
- Soy Sauce Caution: Soy sauce is quite strong in flavor, so use it cautiously to avoid overpowering the dish.
- Adjusting Seasoning: After adding the tomatoes and coconut milk, taste the sauce and adjust with more soy sauce, sugar, curry powder, or chili flakes as needed.
- Adding Vegetables: If you want to include extra vegetables like cauliflower, broccoli, or frozen peas, add them when you add the chicken to ensure everything cooks evenly.
Nutrition
Meet the Chef!
Hi, I'm Debs, a Cordon Bleu-trained chef dedicated to helping you create unforgettable meals on a budget. Discover more about my journey and dive into a world of foolproof recipes designed for those who love to eat well without overspending.
Sally
Just made this, sooo good! I added veggies and a bit of chicken broth. 10/10 thank you!
Deborah Rainford
So happy you loved it! Thank you for taking the time to leave a comment, it's so appreciated. 🙂
Warren
A regular mild quick-curry for us when we don’t feel like cooking a classic spicy Indian curry. Thanks.
Deborah Rainford
Thanks so much, Warren! So happy you love this one! 🙂
Nina
Such a great recipe! Part of my weekly meal plan, now!
Marissa
This is my “Go-To” Curry recipe. It’s simple. It’s sweet. I personally like it on the spicier side so I add in some chili paste to give it a nice kick without altering the flavor . I also once made it with some sweetened condensed milk, for those who like sweeter as well. Thanks for such a staple recipe!
Deborah Rainford
So happy that it's such a staple in your kitchen! It's one of the most popular recipes on the site! Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a comment. It's so appreciated! 🙂
Claire
We made this for the first time last winter and have made it 6+ times since my boys love it and they are very fussy about what they eat and it is cooking again today the only change we have made is we cook the sauce in the pan then transfer th slow cooker as we have our son who is asd and will only eat meat if is cooked a certain way , it works a treat.
Fantastic brilliant recipe
Deborah Rainford
So happy that it's such a hit with everyone and that you're able to adapt it for your son. And thank you so much for taking the time to leave a comment and a review! It's very appreciated! 🙂
BRIDIE MICHELLE CANNON
Lovely recipe, The whole family really enjoyed. Following these recipes has mad us fall in love with cooking again. Keep doing What your doing! We love trying all the recipes. We rate them at the dinner table then to add to the fun with the kids.
Deborah Rainford
Bridie! Your comment has absolutely made my day! So happy that you love the recipes and that they've got you back in the kitchen and loving cooking. Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a comment and a rating. It's so appreciated! 🙂
Helen Loeffler
Fab recipe thank you. Will leave the sugar out next time I make, as I found a little sweet for my liking, but that's my taste. Looking forward to making again and again and again. Thank you soooo much.
Deborah Rainford
Thank you so much, Helen! So happy you loved it. And thank you for taking the time to leave a comment and a review. It's so appreciated! 🙂
Helen L
Fantastic recipe, thank you. Made for the first time earlier this week and won't be a one off. However, I would personally leave the sugar out as I found a little sweet the next time I make it, but that is more than likely down to my taste.
Deborah Rainford
So happy you loved this recipe! Thank you so much for the feedback and for leaving a comment and rating. It's so appreciated! 🙂
Anja
this is already the second time I made this amazing curry this week. just can't get enough of it. My husbands favorite was outdone by this one in his own praising words.
Umami in abundance. My go to recipe from now on!!!
Deborah Rainford
I absolutely love this comment! Thanks so much, Anja! So happy that this is a new favourite in your house! And thank you so much for taking the time to leave a comment and a review. It's so appreciated!
Anja
It still is my favourite curry recipe now. I am just about to make it again. The chicken is juicy and I think the soy sauce makes it extra tasty. Please don’t stop sharing your recipes. Aldi has everything I need, and you turn it into something special 😋
Helena Wasilewski aka elenas.eats
Easy, delicious and under 30 minutes! Hubs loved it too. Will definitely make this again.
Deborah Rainford
Thanks so much Elena! So happy it was a hit! And thank you for taking the time to leave a comment and a rating. It's so appreciated! 🙂
Jo
Fantastic curry and so easy to make. It went down a treat with my family.
Deborah Rainford
So happy it was a hit! And thank you for taking the time to leave a comment and a rating! 🙂
Max
This was so easy, made with ingredients I have in the cupboards, and was absolutely delicious! Served to 4 children who all loved it - that rarely happens. The adults enjoyed it too. Thank you!
Deborah Rainford
So happy that it went down well. Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a comment! It's so appreciated. 🙂
Glynis
Aldi ofter sell the Patak's curry paste pots. Honestly, I used the chicken tikka paste pot and then followed the recipe. Fab ! 👌
Deborah Rainford
So happy you liked the recipe! And thank you so much for taking the time to leave a comment and a rating! It's very much appreciated.
Rebecca
Absolutely loved this recipe. All the flavors came together so well. Such a great recipe.
Deborah Rainford
Thanks so much, Rebecca! So happy that you loved this recipe.
Jo
Thank you so much for an easy and tasty curry, my husband and I loved it
Deborah Rainford
Ah, that makes my day! So happy you loved it. And thank you so much for taking the time to leave a comment and a rating. It's so appreciated!
Sarah
Hello, I came across this recipe while searching for coconut curry ideas. Can confirm it was easy, to make, I had all the ingredients and it tasted amazing!
So good I’ve shared with my friends. Would be easy to make a veggie version. I had leftover roast chicken which I added towards the end and I also sprinkled in some cashew nuts . Thanks for the recipe x
Deborah Rainford
Thanks so much for taking the time to leave a comment and a rating. So happy you liked the recipe!
Wendy
Great recipe which myself, husband and daughter all enjoyed. I added a little extra soy sauce and sugar as the author did at the ‘taste check’ stage, plus a sprinkle more sea salt and a tiny amount of chilli flakes (chipotle ones as that’s all I had). It was delicious! Thus flexible recipe is easy and you can tweak it just the way you like, or (within reason!), with what you have. Also threw in some chopped fresh fine green beans, a hand full of fresh spinach and a can of drained chick peas, just after the chicken went in, for a green veg and protein boost - perfect! Thank you 😊
Deborah Rainford
Absolutely love the adaptations! So happy you liked it. And thank you for taking the time to leave a comment and a rating. It's much appreciated! 🙂
Lu
I was looking for a nice curry to make that was creamy and tasty.... this recipe nailed it! I doubled the measurements and added chopped up sweet potato aswell... It was amazing. Everyone enjoyed it I'm already excited about making it again
Deborah Thompson
Love reading this! So happy you loved the recipe. And thank you so much for taking the time to leave a comment and a rating!
Lu
I was looking for a nice curry to make that was creamy and tasty.... this recipe nailed it! I doubled the measurements and added chopped up sweet potato aswell... I was amazing. Everyone enjoyed it I'm already excited about making it again
Breda
Easy instructions nice and tasty as well
Deborah Thompson
So happy you liked this recipe!
Jenny
Absolutely delicious and easy to do, I will definitely pass recipe on to my family
Deborah Thompson
That makes my day! So happy you love the recipe. And thank you so much for taking the time to leave a comment and a rating!
Irene Gilmore
Utterly delicious. This will be my ‘go to’ curry recipe from now on. ??
Deborah Thompson
Thanks so much for taking the time to leave a comment and a rating! So happy you love this recipe! 🙂
Gwen
I never leave reviews BUT this curry is blumming fabulous and super easy, thank you x
Jenness Roth
This looks wonderful--would it fit into a low-carb eating plan? Perhaps, if served over riced cauliflower?
Deborah Thompson
Yeah. Absolutely. Or you could try a root vegetable mash as well with some turnip and parsnips. That would be really perfect here too. Let me know what you go with and I can update the recipe for a low carb side option! 🙂
Den
absolutely the best curry ive tasted. I added piri piri as we like it spicy but it was delicious without.
Deborah Thompson
Thank you so much. And thank you for taking the time to leave a rating and write a comment!